U.S. Army Spc. Rafael Nieves Jr. was lauded as a “real hero” yesterday morning in a somber and emotional funeral Mass at St. Aloysius Church in Jersey City. A cremation ceremony with full Military Honors and Salutes followed at Rosehill Crematory in Linden.

The soldier and father of two young children, who grew up in Jersey City and Bayonne, was killed on July 10 while on patrol in Afghanistan. Nieves, who had relocated to Kentucky with his family, died in Paktika province of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his vehicle with small-arms and rocket-propelled grenade fire while on a mounted patrol.

About two dozen Patriot Guard Riders attended the funeral and lined up in front of the West Side Avenue church to create a path for mourners and Nieves’ casket to pass through. The Patriot Guard Riders attend military funerals to shield those attending from protesters and other distractions.

Nieves’ casket, draped in an American flag, was carried into the church by six honor guards.

The Rev. Joseph A. D’Amico presided over the funeral Mass. In his homily, D’Amico eulogized Nieves as a real hero.

“Rafael was a real hero because he made the ultimate sacrifice to save the lives of the soldiers around him. What a gift,” D’Amico said.

After the Mass concluded, the funeral procession headed to Rosehill Crematory. D’Amico led a 10-minute ceremony at the crematory before the military ceremony began.

Members of the 101st Airborne and the Army National Guard were present for the military funeral.

Maj. Gen. Anthony Ierardi conducted the Military Honors and Salutes. He announced that Nieves was awarded the Bronze Star, for his service in combat, and the Purple Heart, for being killed in combat.

“Spc. Nieves served with bravery and courage, and these awards reflect that,” Ierardi said.

The awards were then presented to the Nieves family by Ierardi. Immediately after, seven soldiers fired three salutes and taps was played by a bugler.

The flag that draped the casket was folded by the honor guards and presented to Nieves’ wife Sarah McKinney. Other folded flags were given to his daughter, Emma Grace, son, Rafael, and his mother, Tina Roman, of Bayonne.